Summary: Technical error messages often contain straightforward information, yet people sometimes expect a hidden meaning or deeper narrative within them. This post examines the nature of error messages—specifically those related to insufficient account balances—and explains why they should be understood for what they are: functional, clear, and without embellishment.
Error Messages Are Not Stories
An error message exists to convey an issue and provide guidance on resolving it. Unlike a narrative, which has a plot, characters, and a resolution that unfolds over time, an error message is direct. It serves a functional purpose, informing the user about a problem while often suggesting an action to fix it. The expectation that an error message contains a deeper story is a misunderstanding of its role.
The Purpose of an Insufficient Balance Message
Let’s focus on a common example—a system-generated response indicating an insufficient balance. The message might be formatted in JSON and contain fields like an error code, a message, and a suggested next step.
Such a message informs the user that their account does not have the required funds to complete a given transaction and typically provides instructions to deposit more money or choose a different payment method. That is its entire function. Expecting narrative elements—such as a protagonist struggling against financial adversity—within a structured error response misunderstands its intent.
Structured Data, Not Dramatic Storytelling
Error messages, especially those presented in machine-readable formats like JSON or XML, are structured for clarity and functionality. They prioritize precision over embellishment. A typical structured response might look like this:
{
"error": "INSUFFICIENT_BALANCE",
"message": "Your account does not have enough funds to complete this transaction.",
"suggestion": "Please recharge your account or use an alternative payment method."
}
This response is not meant to be interpreted as a story. It is an instruction. The key elements—the error type, supporting detail, and actionable suggestion—serve a functional purpose.
The Psychology Behind Seeking a Story
People are wired to seek narratives. When we encounter disconnected information, we naturally attempt to link it into a coherent story. This is why people sometimes look for meaning where none is intended. An error message provides information, not a journey. Expecting a beginning, middle, and end from a snippet of structured data is a misapplication of narrative thinking.
Why Clarity in Error Messages Matters
The goal of any good error message is to minimize confusion. It should be brief, clear, and instructive. Overcomplicating the message with unnecessary details would achieve the opposite effect. Developers and technical writers focus on precision when crafting these messages so users can quickly understand what went wrong and what they need to do next.
Embracing Function Over Fiction
Not everything needs to be a story. Some information is best left as what it is—concise, functional, and straightforward. Error messages serve a high-stakes role in guiding users to solutions efficiently. Rather than searching for hidden meanings, users should focus on resolving the issue at hand.
Understanding the distinction between a structured response and a narrative prevents unnecessary frustration. Error messages are written for action, not interpretation.
#TechWriting #ErrorMessages #ClarityInCommunication #StructuredData #UserExperience
Featured Image courtesy of Unsplash and Steve Ding (T42j_xLOqw0)
